The third Kaligraf seminar about packaging, held on April 11, 2024, at the Wespa Spaces center in Zagreb, proved that packaging is currently one of the top three topics in terms of ecology, optimization and rationalization of the production. Most seminar participants come from manufacturing companies, especially in the food industry. The central theme of the seminar addressed the significant changes brought about by the new EU Packaging Regulation (PPWR).
The new European packaging regulations set standards that require reducing the negative environmental impact and encourage innovation in packaging production, as well as a fair approach to consumers. New solutions, materials, and rationalization of packaging production are sought. Rarely has any piece of new EU legislation stirred up as much debate as the PPWR. While a political agreement on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation has been reached, nothing is yet final. Despite the agreement reached, discussions persist. While some celebrate progress in sustainability, others warn of potential trade conflicts and negative ecological consequences. However, it seems that the Regulation could be adopted by the end of April.
Miljenko Pekić, Operations Manager at the Vlahović Group, specialized in supporting clients in their relations with the government in regulatory affairs, spoke about what the Regulation will bring. Given the scope and complexity of the document, Mr. Pekić emphasized that his presentation was informative and was designed as a guide through the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and for all detailed and accurate claims, it is necessary to consult the official document in its integral form.
Lecture sparked an active discussion, revealing many aspects in which the Regulation is very contradictory or unclear. We hope to have a much clearer picture at the next seminar in the fall.
Miho Karolyi, founder and director of the Kaligraf graphic studio, an expert in packaging production and all aspects of technological solutions and packaging optimization, spoke next. In a very interesting presentation, he explained how design and printing methods can produce more environmentally friendly packaging.
Explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different printing techniques, and the impact of individual solutions on the CO2 footprint, Miho Karolyi emphasized that for successful packaging design and optimization, it is necessary to consider reducing the number of colors from the beginning of the design development to the ordering of packaging material. He explained in detail why the four-color printing approach (CMYK) is an environmentally justified option. Not only is it possible to reproduce the design fairly well and save on printing forms, but the printing process is also more economical. The printing house is able to produce more small series with the same machine settings and significant color savings. This is how packaging design serves ecology.
The second block addressed new achievements in printing, with Ivan Sošić, Production Manager at Aluflexpack Group, presenting interesting theses on the Extended Color Gamut (ECG) technique, which expands the traditional four-color (CMYK) printing model by adding additional colors, thus increasing the possible range of reproduction. Sošić presented the results of the project examining the possibilities of this technique and proved that reducing the number of colors in the deep printing technique using ECG technology is possible.
Sanjin Hrvatin, CEO of Anilox company, also discussed another way to achieve printing savings and reduce the CO2 footprint by introducing a new approach to laser engraving of printing rollers.
Miho Karolyi concluded the seminar by stating that it is a time of great changes and compromises for packaging, where the process of packaging management will be networked and circular instead of the previous linear approach, requiring completely different collaboration. The new packaging management processes, driven by the new EU regulations, involve all stakeholders in the entire process rather than just their specialized segments.
Participants gained insight into the significant changes brought about by the new EU regulations and technological solutions to improve the efficiency and quality of packaging production. This was another excellent opportunity for exchanging opinions and establishing new contacts, and judging by the interest of the participants, which was twice as high this time, it seems that Kaligraf’s seminars truly deliver relevant and useful content.
Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events from Kaligraf, your trusted partner in packaging solutions.
